Enjoy stunning, expansive mountain and lake views from the comfort of this brand new, upscale suite that is kitted out with everything you will need for a weekend or extended stay. The Green Suite is the smaller of two brand new suites at The Ark on Bowen, which is a large lakeside home above Killarney Lake. You can access to the extensive trail systems of Crippen Park and Mount Gardner right from the property. This is the perfect place to connect with nature while staying in supreme comfort…
Perched above beautiful Killarney Lake, the Green Suite at The Ark on Bowen is a brand new, upscale, self-catering suite full of treasures of design in art and textiles. Whether you want to go on an adventure in the enchanted forest and lake trails that adjoin the property, dive into the ocean nearby, amble down country lanes past horses, ancient giant trees (Opa at Xenia retreat Center) and farms, or just take in the quiet and beauty of the suite and grounds, this is the perfect place to retreat. The Ark Retreat House is a short 10 minute drive from Snug Cove (where the ferry comes in), or a 45 minute walk or a 20 minute bike ride along the stunning old growth forest trails of Crippen Park that can be accessed right off the ferry. We provide lots of support to our guests if they want tips, and for those who are more independent, you’ll find a detailed offering of local tips in our guest manual.
Note: In our listings, you will the following 4 listings for The Ark on Bowen:
Floor 1: The Green Suite (sleeps 2 adults) + The Blue Suite (sleeps 3 adults)
Floors 2 & 3: The Main House* (sleeps 8 adults - Floor 2 = spacious living area; Floor 3 = 4 bedrooms)
Floors 1, 2, & 3: Entire House** including both suites (sleeps 13 adults total)
*The Main House listing is listed as: Retreat House with Lake & Mountain Views
** The Whole House listing is listed as: The Ark Retreat House on Bowen
If you are not seeing all of those listings in your search, it is possible that one or more of the listings may be reserved for the dates in your search range, or that your search parameters are omitting some results based on the number of adults specified in the search parameters.
THE SUITE:
Totally renovated, updated, and rebranded to relaunch with our new Forest Spa experience, the Green Suite at the Ark is relaunching in the winter of 2024. The Green Suite is the smaller of two suites at the house (the other is called The Blue Suite at The Ark on Bowen). One can rent both suites to accommodate up to 5 people on separate beds (2 in our Green Suite and 3 in our Blue Suite).
The Green Suite is best suited to couples or to 2 friends. It has a private entrance accessible from ground level at the front of the house, where you will enjoy fantastic views of forested mountains, the peaceful waters of Killarney Lake, and eagles soaring.
The main, open concept room in the Green Suite includes a small kitchen, dining area nestled by large windows overlooking the front garden with lake views, and a King sized bed that can optionally be pulled apart to make two Twin XL beds (please let us know your preference when you book). A travel crib is available for families travelling with infants. Fresh linens, duvets, and extra down alternative pillows are provided for the beds in the main room closets.
The kitchen is fully equipped (bar fridge, microwave, toaster, kettle, Nespresso coffee machine, milk frother, dinnerware, glasses and stemware, pots & pans, etc.). We also provide fair trade, organic tea and an assortment of compostable coffee pods. The room has a large bathroom, equipped with a double soaker/jacuzzi tub with jets (no shower—though there is a shower nozzle in the tub), toilet, and an antique wood vanity with a vessel sink and fountain faucet. We provide 100% organic cotton towels, a hairdryer, hand soap, body soap, shampoo and conditioner.
There is a small TV equipped with Roku so you can enjoy Netflix and other platforms that stream shows using your personal accounts, or free offerings.
THE FOREST SPA (LAUNCHING WINTER 2024)
Our new Forest Spa sauna experience is comprised of a sauna building built into the cliffside with views from the sauna window overlooking the forest tree canopy.
Outside, guests can enjoy the same views and while forest bathing and stargazing from 2 sunken plunge baths outfitted with hot and cold water to suit individual tastes and a large private deck that traces the jagged edge of a cliff face of moss-covered stone and ferns.
The Forest Spa sauna experience has been designed for 2 people, for 90 minutes per session.
When guests rent the whole house, they can adjust the guidelines to suit their group. Our whole house listing includes the Main House (sleeps 8), the Green Suite (sleeps 2), and the Blue Suite (sleeps 3) for a total of 13 guests. Your can find the whole house listing (sleeps 13) by name as The Ark Retreat House on Bowen, or you can find the Main House listing (sleeps 8) as Retreat House with Lake & Mountain Views.
Please keep in mind the new sauna level is very private but the staircase to access it is also used by the owner from time to time to access his home at the very bottom of the property.
COVID & CLEANING PROTOCOL:
Our revised cleaning and disinfecting protocol is guided by the new AirBnb guidelines, designed in consultation with the Center for Disease Control (CDC) in the US. We commit to following these guidelines carefully in order to ensure the safety of ourselves, our guests, and our island home.
In order to maintain the 3-hour “rest” between guest check out times and cleaning/disinfecting to prepare for the next guest, we have instituted a slightly earlier checkout of 10:30am, and a slightly later checkin of 3:30pm. We will be flexible with check in and check out times when we can be (for example, when there is not another guest checking in after you leave). We appreciate your understanding in this as we are instituting these policies for everybody’s safety.
In order to minimize contact during these unprecedented times, we have instituted a self check in, and will maintain physical distance should we need to make contact with you in person. Your host will be available by phone and text at any time.
PET POLICY:
We are not opposed to four legged guests, but please inquire before booking because we need to be sure that (1) your dog will not be disruptive to other guests; (2) you are willing to bring a dog bed and not allow him/her onto the furniture; (3) that you are willing to pay a cleaning fee that is dependent on the length of your stay because we must undertake a much more thorough cleaning protocol after your stay to ensure that allergy-prone future guests are not affected.
ATTENTION FAMILIES:
We warmly welcome families with children provided parents/caregivers are diligent in maintaining the peaceful tranquility of The Ark on Bowen to respect the peaceful enjoyment of our other guests. If you need use of a travel crib for infants/toddlers, just ask!
Please be advised that the property is perched on a hill that is steep in places. There are wire fences that are meant to prevent adults and kids from falls, but it is advisable that very young children be watched closely when they are outside. The gardens are fun, but potentially dangerous for little ones who do not have sure footing.
If you are in need of babysitting, please let us know wand we may be able to help you out with in-house care.
The Green Suite has ground level access at the front of the house. You will have your own entrance and key to get in and out. It is the first of the two suites that you find as you walk along the front pathway. You will have access to the garden at the front and side of the house. You can also access the trails of Crippen Park and the Killarney Lake loop trail from the bottom of some stairs at the front of the house, OR via the trail entrance you will pass very near the top of our driveway.
I'm always available by phone or text message, and if I am away, you will be dealing with my co-host.
The Ark is the only house visible from the beautiful forested trail circling Killarney Lake. It is a short 8 minute drive from Snug Cove (where the ferry from Horseshoe Bay comes in), or a beautiful 45 minute walk or a 20 minute bike ride on the stunning old growth forest trails of Crippen Park, which can be accessed right off the ferry. After your arrival, you can enjoy a peaceful escape and take in gorgeous, expansive views of Killarney Lake and surrounding hills from our well-tended grounds and gardens. Our neighbourhood is low-key, quiet, and family friendly. The Ark is the last house on the secluded country road, and enjoys immediate access from the property to the Killarney Lake Trail and, from there, one of the Mount Gardner trails (where you can enjoy 360 degree views of Howe Sound and Vancouver on a clear day!).
Bowen Island is a 20 minute ferry from Horseshoe Bay to get to Bowen Island using BC Ferries or you can take the Cormorant Water Taxi. The Blue Suite at the Ark on Bowen is a 10 minute drive, 45 minute walk (3.8 km) or 20 minute bike ride from Snug Cove (Snug Cove is where the ferries arrive and where there are restaurants and grocery stores). I would highly recommend walking onto the ferry and then hiking to the property, as the hike takes through old growth forest and around Killarney Lake. I am happy to provide directions if necessary.
* The Green Suite is the smaller of two suites at the Ark on Bowen and is suitable for a couple (in the king bed), two individual travelers who want separate beds, and up to one additional guest who can sleep in a pack n' play or child sized mattress.
* Our other listing is called The Blue Suite at The Ark on Bowen. The Blue Suite can accommodate up to 3 people and 1 infant. Our listing calendars are linked and so if you need more space for your party, look into dates when BOTH are available. We can accommodate up to 5 adults on separate beds between both suites. We also have the main house above, which can accommodate up to 8 adults.
* If you are driving, the last stretch of road leading to the house (Fernie Road) is a bit of an adventure as it is a gravel road. Cars with especially low clearance are not recommended, though many have braved it successfully by going slowly and maneuvering around the inevitable pot holes that pop up now and again.
